The Yards Park

Your Guide

The Yards Park is the green jewel in the new Capitol Riverfront redevelopment neighborhood near the Washington Nationals Stadium. The site, along the Anacostia River in southeast Washington, was originally a manufacturing annex of the Washington Navy Yard. Many old warehouse buildings surround the park, contributing an industrial character to the area. Major features like the riverfront boardwalk and 200-foot steel pedestrian bridge are links in the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail system. Designed by M. Paul Friedberg and Partners, the park has become an important catalyst in the emerging network of D.C. riverfront public space by promoting an accessible and economically viable waterfront. By celebrating water in its many forms, the Yards Park is a wonderful example of how a collection of large scale public landscape rooms with different characters and uses can create a sense of place. Each landscape feature transitions into the next with a considered focus on materials and plantings that complement their riverside context.

The Entrance

Entrance to the Yards Park on Water Street SE at 3rd Street SE. A concrete paver pattern of strongly contrasting colors effectively draws visitors to the park entrance. The glass guardrail behind the fountain allows a glimpse of more water ahead and frames the view through the bridge to the river.

Image: Joan Honeyman

A Visual Connection

A cooling wall of water cascades from the entry fountain, forming a walkthrough tunnel. It flows into the shallow canal basin, creating a visual connection between water elements that will be repeated when the Anacostia River comes into view. This fresh water pool is a must to splash around in on a hot summer day.

Image: Joan Honeyman

Opportunities for Interactive Experiences

The canal basin is a reference to the historic canal that ran from the Anacostia River to the U.S. Capitol; it was a strong design element in the L’Enfant plan. Large concrete disks placed throughout the basin like giant lily pads in a pond are perfect for wading. They tempt visitors to engage with the water, creating opportunities for an interactive experience in the park.

Image: Joan Honeyman

A Landmark

The pedestrian bridge is a beautiful sculptural element spanning the canal basin. It is the iconic feature of Yards Park and will become a link for present and future trails along the waterfront. Not only does it physically connect the overlook and great lawn areas, it is a prominent landmark, visually orienting visitors to their location in the park.

Image: Joan Honeyman

A More Intimate Space

River Street Gardens is a leafy respite on the east side of the park covered with lush plantings and cut through with walking trails. River birches shade small seating areas furnished with benches that face the river. This more intimate section of the park is a great contrast to the large open lawn space that can seat hundreds.

Image: Joan Honeyman

Continuity of Materials

This bench in River Street Gardens is a great example of the attention to detail in the park. Wood and granite are used frequently in different ways to create space and tie the garden rooms of the park together. The continuity of materials creates a real sense of place as visitors see the same materials repeated in both large and small spaces.

Image: Joan Honeyman

Like Tall Ship Sails

The overlook is a structured area with movable furniture that accommodates large groups or small gatherings. It has a great view of the river and the boardwalk that runs the length of the park. The canvas canopy is reminiscent of tall ship sails and creates a prominent focal point at the end of the bridge.

Image: Joan Honeyman

The Boardwalk

View from the overlook over the terraced lawn and riverfront boardwalk. The terraced lawn is a series of wide grass steps with granite risers leading down to the boardwalk. The wide ¼ mile-boardwalk runs the entire length of the park and connects to the Navy Yard Riverwalk Trail. An interesting design element is the metal cablerail support at the water’s edge. Concerts are held under a large tent on the boardwalk and the lawn steps make a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the music.

Image: Joan Honeyman

Planted Joints

This casual path leads visitors to the end of the park and the Riverwalk Trail bridge that connects to Diamond Teague Park. The paving with planted joints complements other structured site paving but gives this area a less urban feeling. The 60-foot light tower in the background marks the west end of the boardwalk. It was designed by artist Jamie Carpenter and is illuminated at night.

Image: Joan Honeyman

A Bench's Wave-like Form

Another great detail – this bench repeats the wood found all over the site and the wave-like form recalls its riverside location.